TThe V&A Waterfront in Cape Town is home to a wide range of exciting retail outlets, from well-known international brands to exclusive local boutiques. Visit this shopping and leisure Mecca and discover why it attracts more visitors than any other destination in South Africa.

Did You Know?

TThe V&A (Victoria & Alfred) Waterfront is named after Queen Victoria and her son, Prince Alfred.

MMany factors contribute to the extraordinary appeal of the V&A Waterfront. High on this list is the fact that it is one of South Africa’s top shopping destinations.

Situated in the heart of Cape Town, where the mountain meets the sea, it has been a working harbour since about 1860, when trade routes to the East transformed the seafront into a lucrative trading post.

IIn 1988, the redevelopment of the historic docklands built on this legacy, transforming the harbour into an exciting 21st-century ‘trading post’, complete with a comprehensive array of shops, entertainment venues, prime office locations, world-class hotels, luxury apartments and restaurants (from fast food to fine dining).

The Victorian architecture of the waterfront pulses with African energy, and there are more than 400 retail outlets offering both local and international brands.

There is also an impressive array of accommodation, ranging from budget to five-star luxury, placing you within close proximity to the stores, restaurants and entertainment.

And if the shopping becomes too much, you can enjoy some of the many other activities on offer. These include seal watching; a visit to the Two Oceans Aquarium or the Maritime Museum; boat trips around the harbour and along the coast; or an exciting helicopter tour!